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Multiple Choice
Why are fossil fuels considered nonrenewable resources?
A
They are constantly regenerated by photosynthesis.
B
They can be easily replaced by planting more trees.
C
They are formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient organisms and cannot be replenished on a human timescale.
D
They are produced rapidly by volcanic activity.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of nonrenewable resources: Nonrenewable resources are those that cannot be replenished or regenerated within a human timescale. This means they take an extremely long time to form and are consumed faster than they can be naturally replaced.
Examine the formation process of fossil fuels: Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are formed from the remains of ancient organisms (plants and animals) that were buried under layers of sediment millions of years ago. Over time, heat and pressure transformed these remains into energy-rich substances.
Compare fossil fuel formation to human timescales: The process of forming fossil fuels takes millions of years, which is far longer than the time humans have been using them. This makes them nonrenewable because they cannot be replenished quickly enough to meet human consumption rates.
Evaluate the incorrect options: Fossil fuels are not regenerated by photosynthesis, as photosynthesis is a process that occurs in living plants and does not create fossil fuels. Planting more trees does not replace fossil fuels, as trees are renewable resources but do not undergo the same geological processes to form fossil fuels. Volcanic activity does not produce fossil fuels; it is unrelated to their formation.
Conclude why fossil fuels are nonrenewable: Fossil fuels are considered nonrenewable because their formation requires millions of years, making it impossible to replenish them within a human timescale. This is why they are classified as nonrenewable resources.